Manuel Lapuente Díaz

Born in Puebla on 15 May 1944, Lapuente began his professional career with Monterrey in 1964. He later played for Necaxa, Puebla, and Atlas, before retiring in 1975. Although he never won a league title as a player, he did achieve international success with the Mexico national team, earning 13 caps and winning the gold medal at the 1967 Pan American Games in Winnipeg, Canada. Following his retirement, Lapuente transitioned to coaching. In a managerial journey spanning 35 years, he took charge of iconic Mexican clubs such as Puebla, Tigres UANL, Ángeles de Puebla, Atlante, Cruz Azul, Necaxa, and América. His managerial achievements include five Primera División championships: Puebla (1982–83, 1989–90), Necaxa (1994–95, 1995–96), and América (Verano 2002). His achievements at the club level earned him two appointments as manager of the Mexico national team. His first tenure, in 1990, was brief, encompassing only 11 matches. His second tenure, from 1997 to 2000, proved more significant, as it was during this period that Lapuente established his lasting legacy. In 1999, he led Mexico to capture its most prestigious senior international title to date: the FIFA Confederations Cup. In a dramatic final at the Estadio Azteca, Mexico defeated Brazil, etching Lapuente’s name permanently into the annals of Mexican football. Lapuente also coached Mexico at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. The team advanced from the group stage and was knocked out by Germany in the Round of 16.

Manager

Puebla

Mexican Primera División: 1982–83, 1989–90 Copa México: 1989–90 Campeón de Campeones: 1990 CONCACAF Champions' Cup: 1991 Necaxa

Mexican Primera División: 1994–95, 1995–96 Copa México: 1994–95 Campeón de Campeones: 1995 América

Mexican Primera División: Verano 2002 CONCACAF Champions' Cup: 2006 Mexico

CONCACAF Gold Cup: 1998 FIFA Confederations Cup: 1999